Connected: A YHM Story (COMPLETED) - Page 15

Part 15

Bhalla House - the night of July 18th, 10 pm

It had been a long day. Raman stretched his arms above his head and closed his laptop shut. Most of his morning had been occupied by post-wedding rituals. After lunch, Ishita had inundated him with forms and brochures for Ruhi’s school. She was starting kindergarten next week in the same school where Shravu studied. And the rest of his evening went in dealing with stubborn clients and tedious spreadsheets. He had been forced to work from home as his father refused to let him go to the office on his wedding day. Now, all he longed to do was sprawl on his bed and let his exhaustion wear away. He packed his laptops and files from the dining table and made his way into his bedroom. He placed his things on the table and opened his cupboard to take out his night clothes.

“What the-”

All his clothes had been shoved to the side. His suits now hung with a myriad sarees of various colors. His track pants and t-shirts shared their space with kurtis and leggings.

“ISHITA!”

Ishita rushed into the room. She was already dressed in her night wear.

“Kya hai? Itna kyun chilla rahe ho? Ruhi bas abhi abhi soyi hai. Ek to woh school chalu kar rahi hain us baat se itni nervous hai. Kitni muskhil se aankh lagi hain uski!”

“Mere cupboard mein yeh sab kya hai?” He pointed towards the cupboard.

“Kapde hain. Aur kya?”

“Oh really? Mujhe to pata hi nahi tha. Mera matlab hai, ki mere suits ki jagah par tumhari ye madrasi kapdo ki thaan kyun latak rahi hain?”

“Thaan? Inhe thaan nahi saree bolte hain. Aur mere kapde main cupboard mein nahi rakhoongi to kaha rakhoongi?”

“To itne saare kapde hai kya tumhare? Yeh sab bhari bhari sadiyaan pehnogi tum roz? Thodi si kisi suitcase mein nahi rakh sakti kya?”

“Bilkul nahi. Yeh sab bahot delicate sarees hai. Dekho, yeh wali pure kanjeevaram hain.” She showed him a few of her sarees. “Aur yeh to Amma aur Akka ne gift ki hain. Aur yeh saari Mummyji ne. Kuch to Simi ke ghar se bhi aayi hain. Inhe suitcase mein rakh diya to saari pleats kharab ho jaayengi. Inhe yahin hanger pe rakhna padega.”

“Lekin tumhari in sarees ke chakkar mein mere suit kharaab ho rahe hain uska kya?”
“Agar mere kapdon se itni hi problem hai to mujhe apna khudka cupboard laake do na?”

“Haan, mere paise to ped pe ugte hain, right? Agar apna cupboard chahiye hi tha to apne Appa ke ghar se leke aati.”

Raman grabbed his night clothes and slammed the cupboard shut. He left for the bathroom in a huff. Ishita groaned and sat on the edge of the bed. Her exhaustion from the wedding, her stress regarding Ruhi starting school soon, and having to deal with Ravan Kumar was catching up to her. The day had taken a toll on her, both physically and emotionally. She still remembered the tears in her parents’ eyes during her grahpravesh while they watched from next door. She still remembered the joy on Ruhi’s face when Ishita officially became her mother. Such amalgamation of joy and sorrow was something she had never experienced before.

Raman walked in in his night clothes and ran a hand through his hair which was still wet from the shower. Ishita looked up, his entry distracting her from her thoughts. He looked like a million bucks. Snap out of it, Ishita. What is wrong with you?

“Tum souogi kahan?” he asked.

Ishita looked around. Did he mean what she thought he meant? She and him, on one bed? No. Never. Not even in his dreams.

“Couch pe,” she replied without a moment’s delay.

“Are you sure? Tum comfortable hogi na?”

“Yeah, of course. Mujhe zyada space nahi chahiye. I’ll be fine on the couch.”

“Ok then. Suit yourself.”

Ishita grabbed a pillow and blanket for herself from the bottom shelf of the cupboard and made herself comfortable on the couch. Raman lied down on the king-sized bed and stretched his legs. Thank god, the madrasan had offered to take the couch. Now he had the bed to himself. He pulled out the remote from the side table and tuned into the latest cricket highlights.

“Aap ko abhi TV dekhna hai? Sona nahi hai?” Ishita twisted her neck to face Raman.

“Mujhe agar paanch-dus minute cricket dekhna hai to usme kya problem hain tumhe?”

“You know what? Aap ko jo dekhna hai, aap dekhiye. Lekin kam se kam volume to kam kijiye? Kal subah Mummyji ne pooja rakhi hain. And some of us need to sleep in order to wake up early.”

“Mera kamra hain, mera TV hain. Meri jo marzi ho woh main karunga.”

“Come on, Raman. Can’t you cooperate a little?”

“Fine. I’ll reduce my volume halfway. Baaki tum earplugs laga kar so jao.”

“Hmph. Fine,” Ishita huffed. “Paithyam. Ravan Kumar.”

While Ishita plugged her ears with cotton, Raman lowered the volume of his TV, albeit reluctantly. So now he couldn’t even watch TV at his own leisure the way he liked? It hadn’t even been 24 hours since he got married and this Jhansi ki Rani was already ruling his life. May the Lord Almighty be with him.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Bhalla House - the next morning, 8 am

“Aur yeh ho gayi hamari Ruhi taiyyar!” Ishita pinned the necklace around Ruhi’s neck and turned her around to face the mirror. “Kaisa laga?”

“Bahot pretty hai, Ishimaa! Thank you!”

“You’re welcome. Ab chalo, jaldi se breakfast karte hain. Phir pooja bhi to karni hai?”

“Mumma, aap ko aaj clinic nahi jaana?”

“Nahi. Maine shaadi aur baaki sab functions ke liye chutthi li hai. Ab Monday ko aap jab school jaayengi, tab main clinic jaungi. Abhi chalo, breakfast karna hain”

Ishita picked a giggling Ruhi up in her arms and carried her outside. She made her sit on the dining table where her grandparents were already setting up the plates.

“Romi! Rinki! Raman! Kitthe reh gaye sab?!” Toshi hollered.

While Romi and Raman came out and took their place on the table, Rinki was having problems of her own.

“Mumma, I need some help with this dupatta!” she cried.

“Offo, ab yeh ladki ko kya hua?” Toshi sighed. “Neelu, tu sab nu naasta paros, main dekh ke aati hoon.”

“Mummyji, aap baith kar naasta kijiye,” Ishita suggested. “Main Rinki ki help kar deti hoon.”

“Lekin puttar, Ruhi ko teri zaroorat nahi hogi?”

“Maine Ruhi ko naashta paros diya hai, aur woh apne aap kha rahi hain. Aap bhi baithiye aur khaana kha lijiye. Subah se lagi huyi hain aap.”

“Thik hai puttar.”

Ishita went inside Rinki’s room and found her struggling with the pleats of her dupatta.

“Lao Rinki, main help kar deti hoon.”

“Thank you bhabhi, aap aa gayi. Warna yeh dupatta to mujhse sambhal hi nahi raha tha.”

“Koi baat nahi. Do idhar.” Ishita took over the dupatta and folded it to make evenly spaced pleats. “Tumhe pata hain, jab main choti thi tab Amma bhi mujhe aise hi dupatta ya saree pehnati thi.”

“To phir aap khud kaise seekhi? Maine to kitni baar try kiya hai, par mujhse hota hi nahi hain.”

“To usme kaun si badi baat hain? Jaise jaise practice karti rahogi, waise dheere dheere seekh jaogi.” Ishita took a safety pin and pinned the dupatta to Rinki’s kurta at her shoulder. “Aur yeh lo, ho bhi gaya.”

“Thank you so much bhabhi. You’re a lifesaver!”

“Isme thank you ki kya baat hai? Chalo abhi, sab breakfast pe wait kar rahe hain.”

Ishita and Rinki joined the rest of the family at the breakfast table adorned with parathas, egg bhurji, toasted bread, and tea and milk. Ishita was surprised to see Toshi beside Ruhi feeding her parathas with her own hand. She was hoping that Ruhi would get into the habit of eating and getting ready herself now. Oh well, she’ll get into the habit sooner or later.

“Aaj mujhe office jaana padega. Waise bhi, kaafi dino ki chutthi le li hai maine,” Raman spoke to no one in particular.

“Oye khote de khur,” Toshi chided. “Shaadi ke dusre din tujhe office jaane ki itni jaldi hain?”

“Maa aap-”

“Papa, aap ghar pe nahi reh sakte kya? Ishimaa bhi ghar par hi rahengi aaj,” Ruhi asked.

“Nahi beta, I have to go. Papa ko bahot important kaam hain.”

Ruhi was visibly disheartened but she didn’t have the courage to counter her father.

“Ruhi, aap papa ko jaane do,” Ishita intervened. “Main rahungi na aap ke saath? Aur dada dadi bhi honge.”

“Ok,” Ruhi obliged reluctantly.

“Let’s do one thing,” Ishita suggested. “Papa, aap Ruhi se promise karo ki aap shaam ko jaldi aaoge. Aur dinner ke baad, Ruhi ke saath monopoly kheloge.”

Ruhi looked at Raman with adorable pleading eyes. How could he refuse now?

“Thik hai. I promise ki main jaldi ghar aa jaunga aur hum shaam ko saath mein monopoly khelenge.”

Toshi and Omprakash gave each other a look that said, ‘am I dreaming?’ Their son would not give up work for anything. They had tried for years to bring him back to the family but all their efforts had gone in vain. Truly, Ishita and Ruhi’s arrival proved to be a blessing for them.

Once breakfast was done, Toshi asked everyone to freshen up and gather around the temple for the pooja. Raman, Ishita, and Ruhi sat in the front to perform the pooja, while the rest sat behind them. Simi, Pulkit, and Ananya had arrived to attend the pooja as well. Together, the newly wed couple offered prasad and performed aarti of the Goddess.

At the end, Toshi instructed Ishita and Simi to offer money and sweets at the feet of the Goddess on behalf of each member of their family by stating their name.

“Yeh vidhi suhagan auraten karti hain apne pati aur bachoon ke liye. Ishita, tum apni, Raman, aur Ruhi ke liye chadhana. Aur Simi, tu apni, Pulkit, aur Ananya ki taraf se, theek hai? Main apni, Bhalla ji, Romi, aur Rinki ki taraf se chadhava chadhati hoon. Phir saara chadhava hum paas ke mandir mein prasad ke taur par daan kar denge.”

Upon getting an affirmative answer from Simi and Ishita, Toshi began her prayer while making her offering.

“He Mata Rani, mere, mere pati aur Romi te Rinki par apni kripa banaye rakhna.”

Simi followed her mother’s doing and offered prasad and money at the feet of the Goddess.

“He Mata Rani, mere pati Pulkit, meri bacchi Ananya, aur mujh pe hamesha apna aashirvaad banaye rakhna.” She turned towards Ishita. “Ishita, chal tu bhi aaja.”

Ishita made her way to the front and filled her thaal with sweets and money. She went up to the idol of the Goddess, set down the thaal, and started her prayer.

“He Mata Rani, mujh pe, mere pati Raman pe, aur is ghar ke dono bacche Ruhi aur Aditya pe apne aashirvaad barsate rehna, aur sab ki raksha karna.”

It was a good thing that her eyes were closed, because the looks of awe that she was the recipient of might have startled her. Raman looked at her with such poignancy, grateful that his son was included in the wedding festivities, even if only as a symbolic gesture. The rest of the family exchanged looks, alarmed that she had so naturally taken Adi’s name, when they themselves had stopped out of fear of Raman’s predicament. And in that moment, Omprakash knew without a shadow of doubt that he had made the right decision in bringing Ishita into their family.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Bhalla House - later that evening, 6:30 pm

Ishita stacked Ruhi’s coloring books on her desk while Ruhi organized her colored pencils and crayons. She glanced at the clock. It was close to dinner time.

“Ruhi, aap apne crayons rakh do uske baad aap ke bed pe jo toys pade hain unko bhi neatly organize kar do.”

“Ok mumma.”

Ruhi ran to her bed and gathered her barbie dolls and their accessories.

“Rehne de Ruhi, main karti hoon,” Toshi’s voice from the door caught Ishita’s attention.

“Nahi Mummyji, aap use hi karne dijiye. Aise to uski aadat kharab ho jaayegi.”

“Kya Ishita? Choti si bacchi hi to hain. Use khelne de na? Yeh sab hum kar lenge.”

“Mummyji, woh apni cheezein ka to dhyaan rakh hi sakti hain. Aap karne dijiye use. Aise hi seekhegi woh.”

Before Toshi could reply, the sound of the door opening diverted her attention. Romi and Rinki were returning from their college.

“...Rinki! I’m so proud of you!” Romi was saying as they entered.

“Kya baat hai? Itni khushi kis baat ki?” Toshi enquired.

“Mumma, maine jo jobs ke liye apply kiya tha na, unmein se do companies ne mujhe package offer kiya hai! In fact, woh log to chahte hain ki main agle mahine graduate hote hi job chalu kar du!” Rinki cheered.

“Oye hoye, yeh to badi changi gal hai Rinki! Congratulations!” Toshi exclaimed as she took her daughter into an embrace, followed by Ishita.

“Ab yeh sab chaddo Mummy, jaldi se khaana laga do. By god, pet mein chuhe daud rahe hain,” Romi requested.

“Tere bhai ko aa jaane de, phir baithte hain. Tab tak jaake haath muh dho le.”

Once Raman was home, the family gathered for dinner. Raman was delighted to know of Rinki’s job offers but he was weary of her starting work so soon.

“Rinki, are you sure tujhe itni jaldi job chalu karni hai? Right after graduation? You could go for a higher degree and do a Masters or MBA like Romi.”

“No bhai, I’m not interested in a Masters. As soon as I get my computer engineering diploma, I want to start working. Maybe a few years later, if I feel like it, I can go back to school for further studies.”

“Ok. As you wish. Arey haan, kaam se yaad aaya. Romi, hamare office mein ek assistant ki zaroorat hain. Ab tere MBA ka final year shuru ho raha hai to tum experience ke liye woh job kar sakte ho.”

“Are waah! Matlab meri pehli real naukri aur salary?!” Romi grinned.

“Oh hero! Zara dheere. Aap abhi apne final year mein ho. To tab tak, unpaid internship hi milegi. Ek baar acche marks se graduate ho jao, phir salary ki baat karenge. Thik hai?”

Romi meekly nodded his head.

The rest of dinner passed in relative silence. After dinner, Romi and Rinki retired to their rooms to study while Ishita and Toshi wound up the kitchen with Neelu’s help.

Just as Neelu opened the door to leave for the day, two people greeted her at the door - Vishwa and Madhu.

“Amma! Appa!” Ishita instantly hugged her parents and welcomed them inside. “Aap log? Come na, come inside.”

“Ayiye Iyer saab,” Omprakash gestured. “Kaise aana hua?”

“Woh actually, Madhu ko Ishu ki bahot yaad aa rahi thi pure din,” Vishwa began. “Maine use kaha, ki beti ko gaye sirf ek hi din to hua hai. Par nahi maani. Phir shaam ko mujhe bhi milne ka mann hua to hum chale aaye.”

“Accha kiya Iyer saab,” Omprakash replied. “Jab bhi mann ho tab aa jaya kijiye. Hume bhi accha lagta hain. Please baithiye.”

Ishita, Raman, and both sets of parents took a seat on the sofa set.

“Ishu, tumhare aur Ruhi ke bina to ghar ek dum soona lagta hain. Aur aaj to Mihika bhi nahi hain,” Amma said.

“Kyun amma? Mihika kahan gayi?”

“Woh to apne office se seedha Mihir ke saath dinner date pe chali gayi.”

“Tabhi janaab ko aaj itni jaldi thi jaane ki,” Raman remarked, earning laughs from all around.

In between their conversation, Ishita felt a tug on the pallu of her saree.

“Ruhi? Kya hua?”

“Ishimaa, monopoly,” she whispered in her mother’s ear. “Papa ne promise kiya tha.”

“To yaad dilao papa ko.”

“Woh gussa to nahi karenge na?”

“Arey, gussa kyun karenge? Unhone promise kiya tha na? Go, tell him.”

Ruhi inched towards her father and gently tapped on his shoulder.

“Papa, monopoly. Aap ne subah promise kiya tha.”

Raman ran a palm down his face. Of course, how did he forget?

“Yes beta, of course. Hum monopoly khelte hain. Maa, papa, amma, appa, Ruhi ko monopoly khelna hain. Aap sab kheloge?”

“Haan haan, kyun nahi?”

Soon enough, the coffee table was cleared and the board for Monopoly was set up. Everyone started gathering pieces of property and the board was being filled up.

It was now Toshi’s turn. She rolled the dice and it landed under the table.

“Koi gal nahi, main le leti hoon.”

“Kitne aaye Toshi ji?” her husband asked.

“Bhalla ji, I got a 12.”

“Aiyyo Santoshi, maine dekha. Sirf 11 the,” Madhu countered.

“Nahi nahi Madrasan, 12 the.”

And thus, both mothers were engaged in another turf war.

“Amma amma, jaane do na,” Ishita implored. Finally, at their children’s behest, they ended in a truce.

The game went on. Towards the end, Toshi and Vishwa were competing for the final spot of property that Vishwa purchased, thereby winning the game.

“Tata, hamesha ki tarah aap hi jeet gaye. You’re so good at this game,” Ruhi remarked.

“Haan Iyer saab, kamal kar diya aapne. Bahot kam logon ne aaj tak Toshiji ko haraya hain, chahe khel koi bhi ho,” Omprakash said.

“Aiyyo, agar Punjaban cheating karegi to koi bhi kaise haraayega?” Madhu cut in.

“Amma, again?” Ishita chided her. “Waise papaji, Appa to monopoly se bhi zyada chess ke bade champion hain.”

“Sach mein? Chess to mujhe bhi bahot pasand hain. Iyer saab, we should play together sometime.”

“Definitely Bhalla saab.”

As their game ended, Vishwa and Madhu said their goodbyes and left while Toshi and Omprakash decided to turn in for the night. Ishita, Raman, and Ruhi too started getting ready for bed.

While Ishita was laying down her pillow and blanket on the couch, Ruhi showed up at the doorstep of her and Raman’s room.

“Ishimaa, mujhe aap ke aur papa ke saath sona hain,” she said as she made her way to the bed.

Ishita hesitated.

“Aao na mumma,” Ruhi implored. “Ek taraf papa, ek taraf mumma, aur beech mein baby.”

It was an innocent demand of Ruhi’s and so, both Ishita and Raman gave in. Ishita climbed into bed beside Ruhi, and Raman turned off the TV so as not to disturb them. He got under the covers as well. Ishita began narrating a bedtime story to Ruhi and she slowly drifted to sleep.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Vidya Shakti Public School - Monday, July 22nd, 8 am

“Ruhi, aapki saari books aa gayi na? Aur apka pencil box aur tiffin?” Ishita asked for the nth time as Raman parked the car in the school parking lot.

“Yes mumma, kitni baar puchoge? Sab kuch hai,” Ruhi sighed. It was her first day of school but Ishimaa looked more nervous than her.

“Madrasan, woh school jaa rahi hain. Jung par nahin. Relax,” Raman teased. “Pura weekend Ruhi ki shopping mein nikal gaya, aur aaj subah bhi tumne sau baar iska bag check kiya hoga. Calm down. Aur ab chalo sabhi. School ke first din late nahi hona hai.”

The family of three got out of the car and proceeded towards Ruhi’s classroom. For the first day, all parents had been instructed to come inside and meet the teacher. As always, Ishita had a million questions and a hundred reminders for the teacher to make sure Ruhi was taken care of. Raman had to apologize to the teacher and drag his wife away before she talked her ear off. Ruhi had been settled in the class and had already found a friend. They waved goodbye to her and left for their car.

“Tum kitna bolti ho Madrasan? Mujhe lecture deti ho, wahan tak thik hai. Par bichari teacher ko itna kaun sunata hain?” Raman said once they were in their car.

“Maine aisa bhi kya galat bol diya? Jo bhi keh rahi thi woh sab Ruhi ke liye zaroori tha. Agar usne time pe lunch nahi kiya to? Aur agar usne tiffin khatam nahi kiya to? Aur agar-”

“Bas meri maa, bas kar! Abhi kuch waqt ke liye na, apna muh bandh rakh. Ruhi is fine. She’ll have lunch on time, she’ll finish her entire tiffin, and she’ll have a great first day. Lekin agar tum aise hi karti rahi, to tumhara aur mera din kharab ho jaayega. Samjhi?”

Raman changed the gear and drove to Ishita’s clinic. Damn, the woman had a tongue! She could lecture until eternity if given the chance. Thankfully, the rest of the drive passed in silence until they reached her clinic.

“Yeh lo, aa gaya tumhara clinic,” Raman said as he unlocked the door. “Jao, daant todo logon ke.”

“What do you mean by ‘daant todo?’ I’m a professional medical doctor. We do real important work, okay?”

“Excuse me, tum doctor nahi dentist ho.”

“Dentist bhi doctor hi hote hain. Hum puri padhai karte hain. I’m Dr. Ishita Vishwathan Iyer.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Abhi bhi zid? How rude are you-”

“I mean you’re not Dr. Ishita Vishwathan Iyer. You’re Dr. Ishita Raman Bhalla now.”

“Right. Dr. Ishita Raman Bhalla.”

Ishita had to take a moment to process that. It hadn’t occurred to her that she had a whole new identity now. Raman, on the other hand, had to retrace his thoughts again seeing Ishita taken aback.

“Ishita, maine to aise hi bol diya tha. Naam badalna ya na badalna tumhari choice hain.”

“I know. I’ll think about it. Anyway, main abhi chalti hoon. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Ishita gathered her purse and white coat and left the car. Once in the clinic, she was greeted by Dr. Batra.

“Good morning, Dr. Iyer!” he exclaimed. “It’s so good to see you after so long. First things first, very many congratulations on your wedding!”

“Thank you Dr. Batra,” she replied. “And, it’s not Dr. Iyer anymore. It’s Dr. Bhalla.”

She didn’t think that she would ever be inclined to take Raman’s name. But it came naturally. If she was Ruhi Bhalla’s mother, then it made perfect sense for her name to be Ishita Bhalla. But was Ruhi the only reason why she felt so attached to the Bhalla name? Yes, of course. Why else would she do such a thing? Because this marriage meant something to her. It was the reason she had gotten her daughter back. She had to cherish it regardless of whether she loved her husband or not.

“Dr. Bhalla it is then,” Dr. Batra said. “Well, I wanted to introduce you to someone. While you were gone, we had to hire a new receptionist. Meet Sarika.”

At the receptionist stood a young brunette of dusky complexion clad in a simple blue salwar kameez.

“Hello Sarika. My name is Dr. Ishita Bhalla.”

“Hello Doctor. So good to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much from Dr. Batra about you. He says you’re the best pediatric dentist he has had the pleasure of working with.”

“He is too kind. And nice meeting you as well. I’ll take your guys’ leave now. The first wave of patients have already started coming in.” She gestured towards the families seated in the waiting room.

And with that, Dr. Ishita Bhalla put on her white coat and entered her cabin to start a new day.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Raman’s office - July 22nd, 12 pm

You’re Dr. Ishita Raman Bhalla now.

Why had he said that? Why did he care if she took his name or not? Face it Raman, he told himself. You care about this marriage. Well, why shouldn’t he? This marriage was the key to Ruhi’s happiness. After what he had seen in the past couple days, it was also the key to his parents’ happiness. He had to care about it. But that didn’t mean he had any attachment to the woman he was married to. At least, that is what he told himself.

“Bhai, aap ko lunch nahi karna?” Mihir asked.

Raman lost his train of thought and realized his plate was still untouched. Mihir had ordered butter chicken on Raman’s request. He was tired of eating vegetarian food ever since Ishita had moved in. Now that his favorite chicken was in front of him on a plate, he seemed to have lost his appetite.

“Haan. Kha raha hoon,” he said and began eating.

“Waise bhai, ab Ishita bhabhi kaisi hain? Woh ghar mein adjust ho gayi?”

“Adjust? Madam ne to mere cupboard pe, mere bathroom pe, yahan tak ki mere kamre tak pe kabza kar liya hain. Mere cupboard mein mere kapde se zyada uski saadiyan latak rahi hain. Raat ko cricket nahi dekh sakte ab kyunki madam ki neend kharab hoti hain. Aur to aur Ruhi bhi har baar usi ki side leti hain. To meri thodi na chalegi ab?”

“Accha hai bhai,” Mihir chuckled. “Koi to ho jo aap se darta naa ho.”

Raman’s glare cut his laugh short.

“Waise kal tera dinner kaisa tha?” he asked Mihir.

“Kya?”

“Mihika ke saath date pe gaya tha na? Isiliye office se jaldi nikalna chahta tha, right?”

“Sorry bhai, woh…”

“Dekh beta, agar date pe hi jana tha to bol deta. Isme itna dar mat.”

Mihir breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks bhai. And sorry once again.”

“Koi baat nahi. Ab khaana kha le.”

Raman indulged in the delicious butter chicken on his plate trying hard to take his mind off his new equation with Ishita. In another part of the city, Ishita buried herself in dental procedures and surgeries to clear her head of any thoughts about her new relationship with Raman.

Kehne ko Jashn-e-bahara hai

Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai

Kehne ko Jashn-e-bahara hai

Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai

Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulshan mein

Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein

Sare sehmein nazare hain

Soye soye vaqt ke dhare hain

Aur dil mein koi khoye si baatein hain

Kehne ko Jashn-e-bahara hai

Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai

Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulshan mein

Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein

Kaise kahen kya hai sitam

Sochte hai ab yeh hum

Koi kaise kahen woh hai ya nahi humare

Karte to hai saath safar

Faasle hain phir bhi magar

Jaise milte nahi kisi dariya ke do kinare

Pass hain phir bhi paas nahi

Humko yeh gum raas nahi

Seeshe ki ek diware hai jaise darmiya

Sare sehmein nazare hain

Soye soye vaqt ke dhare hain

Aur dil mein koi khoye si baatein hain

Kehne ko Jashn-e-bahara hai

Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai

Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulshan mein

Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein

Hum ne jo tha nagma suna

Dil ne tha usko chuna

Yeh dastaan humein vaqt ne kaise sunai

Hum jo agar hai gumgee

Woh bhi udhar khush to nahi

Mulakato mein hai jaise ghul si gai tanhai

Milke bhi hum milte nahi

Khilke bhi gul khilte nahi

Aankhon mein hai baharein dil mein khiza

Sare sehmein nazare hain

Soye soye vaqt ke dhare hain

Aur dil mein koi khoye si baatein hain

Kehne ko Jashan-e-bahara hai

Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai

Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulshan mein

Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr4Tz4JEP40

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Aditiiii you are an amazing writer...the amount of detailing you do in your story is incredible...love love just love your story so much and thank you for giving fast updates❤️

Waiting to see how their journey progresses😊

A very awesome update please update next part soon to know what happens next

Lovely and awesome update

Raman was working from home as his father prohibited him from going to office on his marriage day raman was so tired he wanted to sleep he opened his cupboard for night clothes haha loved Ishitas attitude ishra are so cute raman have to adjust now as he is married haha ishru scene was so sweet ishita is so nice she involved adi in her prayer all were amazed especially raman he was looking at her with gratitude ishita was so nervous at ruhi first day at school raman was epic he said how can she give lecture to teacher loved when raman corrected ishita she is ishita raman bhalla now and where ishita introduced herself as ishita bhalla ishra are struggling with their emotions

Pls update soon

I love this soo soo much! It's absolutely beautiful the way you have changed the original track but kept true to the characters' personalities. I can't wait to see how you flesh out raman and ishita's relationship and then their bond with Ruhi! Keenly waiting for the next update! 💖💖💖

Amazing, could keep on reading! Update soon please

When will you update dear... Eagerly waiting for it.... Missing the story already 😔😔

Nice update .

Reading this story is like reliving n rewatching yhm .

I particularly like ishru bond .

Ruhi calling ishu mama is so sweet to hear .

Ruhi tugging ishu’s saree n reminding her of the monopoly game was very natural .

The whole set up is good .Ishraru’s life together as a family is truly starting now.

Pl update soon .Eagerly waiting for it .

Part 16

Bhalla House - a few days later, Friday July 27th, 8 pm

“Ishimaa, I’m done,” Ruhi slid her plate away from her with her palm.

“No beta, pehle yeh saare vegetables finish karo.” Ishita pointed to the veggies that Ruhi had discarded while eating pulao.

“No Ishimaa, yeh vegetables kitne gande hain. Yuck.”

“Ruhi. Aise nahi bolte. Dadi ne kitne pyaar se saara khaana banaya hai.”

“But I don’t like vegetables.”

“Ruhi! Ishimaa ko gussa ayega abhi. Finish your food please. Vegetables are healthy for you, you know that right?”

Ishita and Ruhi were caught in a metaphorical tug of war at the dinner table. She was slowly getting into the habit of eating by herself, but that brought along another challenge. Her pickiness, especially when it came to veggies, leading to a tiff between mother and daughter. It was a rare sight however, and even now, no one was around to see it. Raman and Romi had yet to come home, Rinki was busy studying, and Toshi and Omprakash were inside playing a game of chess.

“Nahi na mumma, pleeeease….?” Ruhi made the most adorable eyes at Ishita and she almost gave in. Almost.

“Yeh nakhre dadi ko ullu bana sakte hain, mujhe nahi. Come on, finish your veggies.”

Ishita took the spoon in her hand, scooped up all the vegetables, and stuffed them in Ruhi’s mouth.

“Good girl.”

“Kaun kise ullu bana sakta hain?” Toshi was standing at the edge of the dining room with her hands on her hips. “Kya boli tu, Ishita?”

“Kuch nahi mummyji, woh to Ruhi nakhre kar rahi thi ki use vegetables nahi khaane. Isiliye maine kaha ki yeh nakhre mujh pe nahin chalenge.”

Ishita took another spoonful of the remaining veggies and fed Ruhi the last bite. “Dekha Ru? Finish bhi ho gaya. Good job.”

“Ishimaa, main TV dekhu?”

“Ok beta. But only 30 minutes. Uske baad hum reading karenge, okay?”

“Ok mumma!”

“Wait baccha, aapki plate to rakh do?”

“Rehne de, main rakh deti hoon.” Toshi grabbed the plate from Ruhi’s spot and threw it in the sink.

Ruhi had already planted herself in front of the TV and tuned into the cartoon channel. Ishita tidied up the dining table and joined her mother-in-law in the kitchen.

“Laiyiye mummyji, kuch help kar doon aap ki?”

“Rehne de. Main kar loongi. Tujhe kya lagta hain? Mai budhi ho gayi hoon? Mujhe ghar sambhaalna nahi aata?”

Ishita was taken aback. She never even meant to imply that.

“Nahi mummyji, bilkul nahi! Aap aise kyun bol rahi ho?”

“Jab se tu aayi hai na Ishita, tu meri har baat kaat rahi hain. Khaas karke Ruhi ko leke. Choti si bacchi hai woh. Abhi tak to usne school bhi thik se shuru nahi kiya hai aur tu usse na jaane kitna kuch karne ko bolti hain. Apna kamra saaf karna, apne aap khaana khaana, use zabardasti yeh sabji khilana. Aur to aur, tu ab use TV bhi nahi dekhte deti. Yeh sab reading-sheading mein laga rakhti hai. Hmph.”

“Mummyji, main bas chahti hoon ki uska routine set ho jaaye. Aur main sab kuch uske bhale ke liye kehti hoon.”

“Tujhe kya lagta hai? Mainu samajh nahi hain bacche paalne ki? Maine bhi chaar chaar bacche bade kiye hain.” The steel plates and glasses bore the brunt of Toshi’s anger as she slammed and scrubbed them. “Aur Ruhi se to mera bada pyaar hain. Mainu ache se pata hain uske liye kya accha hai aur kya bura.”

“Aap sahi keh rahi hain, Mummyji. Mera yakin kijiye, mera irada aapka dil dukhane ka nahin tha.”

The clattering of the dishes quieted a bit as Toshi’s anger simmered down.

“Ishita, tu Ruhi ke saath itni sakhti mat barat. Use apni marzi bhi chalaane de kabhi kabhi.”

“Mummyji, aap bura na maane to ek baat kahoon?”

“Kya?” Toshi turned towards Ishita, hands on her hips, eyebrows raised.

“Aap Ruhi ki dadi hain. Zaahir hai ki aap usko khub saara laad-pyaar karna chahengi. Lekin main uski maa hoon. As her parent, I have to be strict sometimes too, right?”

Toshi lowered her eyebrows and nodded. She wasn’t wrong.

“Mummyji, aap ka jitna man kare aap Ruhi ko utna laad kijiye. Lekin agar kabhi main ya Raman use daant rahe ho ya usse sakhti barat rahe ho, tab aap hume mat tokiye please.”

“Thik hai. Jaa, tu bhi kya yaad rakhegi, kitni changi saas mili hai tujhe.”

“Thank you mummyji. Aur haan, ek aur baat.”

“Ab kya hai?”

“Kal se aap ek non-veg dish bhi banaya kijiye.”

“Kyun puttar?”

“Raman, Romi, Rinki, koi kuch kehta nahi hain. Par mujhe pata hain inko non-veg bahot pasand hai. To jab bhi ho sake aap non-veg bana lijiye. Veg khaana main bana lungi.”

“Thik hai puttar. Aur thank you. Waise, mainu bhi chicken khaane ka bada man tha pichle kuch dino se. Tune to mujhe khush kar diya yeh kehke.”

Laughter erupted on the faces of both women as they joined hands in cleaning up the kitchen.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Meanwhile, in Raman’s office…

“Bhai, it’s past eight. Ghar nahi jaana?” Romi asked.

Raman turned his head towards the door of his office. Romi stood against the door frame having already packed his bag, ready to go home and have dinner. He was starving.

“Abhi kaam khatam nahi hua hai.”

“Jo kaam baaki hai woh kal kar lena. Abhi ghar chaliye na? Bahot bhukh lagi hai.”

“Romi, tujhe jaana hai to jaa,” Raman snapped. “Waise bhi tu apni bike leke aaya tha na? Tu jaa. Main baad mein aata hoon.”

By this time, Mihir had arrived at Raman’s entrance to hand over certain files. He squeezed past Romi and placed the files on Raman’s desk.

“Bhai, here are the files you asked for. Kya hua Romi? Tu udhar kyun khada hai?”

“Mujhe ghar jaana hai. Aur bhai ko kaam se fursat nahi hain.”

“Romi!” Raman fumed. “Ek baar bola na! Tujhe jaana hai to jaa! Lekin mera dimaag kharab mat kar!”

“Bhai please,” Mihir requested. “Romi sahi keh raha hai. Aap please ghar jayiye. Saara staff bhi jaa chuka hain. Ghar pe Ruhi aur Ishita bhabhi aap ki wait kar rahi hongi.”

“Inko kab family ki padi thi, jo ab koi fikar hogi?” Romi mumbled, letting out an exasperated sigh. Thankfully for his own good, Raman hadn’t heard him.

“Fine. Chalo ghar.”

Raman gave up on the pointless fight. He slammed his laptop shut and put away the files that Mihir had brought. In about ten minutes, all three of them were ready to leave. While Romi took his bike home, Raman and Mihir left in their own cars.

Raman slammed the gas pedal on his car. It had been a week since he got married, and he felt miserable. The purpose of the marriage had been accomplished. Ruhi had her mother. She was a happy and secure child again. Ishita was content too; she got her daughter back. But in all this, he still wasn’t happy. Far from that. His home suffocated him more than ever. Before, he could easily avoid it by indulging in work in a different city. But now, he had a daughter and family and wife at home, which meant cutting back on office hours. A daughter whose smile could simultaneously soothe his heart and bruise it. A family whose love meant the world to him but he couldn’t find it in himself to share that love with them. And a wife who he could barely tolerate.

Romi sped his bike down the road trying to bottle up his frustration, exactly as he had done for so many years. His big brother had been his role model for as long as he could remember. He had been following his footsteps when he decided to pursue an MBA. But then his marriage broke, Adi left, and everything changed. Romi had tried being as understanding as possible, but he couldn’t help the anger he felt at Raman for abandoning and neglecting him and the rest of the family, especially him. His parents had each other, his sisters were very close, but he was left all alone when his only brother left him. He thought Raman would move on sooner or later but that day seemed nowhere in sight now. Rather, he seemed to have internalized the crisis, and in the process, closed himself off. He kept Romi out of his life just as he stayed out of his. Even today, when Romi asked to leave, his brother refused, only to listen to Mihir say the exact same thing. His frustration increased, and he twisted the motorcycle handle to full throttle.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Bhalla House - 9:30 pm

“Good night baby,” Ishita whispered to her angel who was already asleep. She gently kissed Ruhi on her forehead and pulled the covers over her before turning off the light and closing the door to her room.

Ever since she got married, her days were always eventful. Looking after Ruhi, her clinic, helping around the house when she could, and even visiting her parents when time permitted. Each part of her day fulfilled her, even dealing with her new family. Her father-in-law had been immensely kind to her since day one. Rinki, Romi, and Simi were also very friendly with her. It would take much longer to get as close to them as she was to Vandu, Mihika, or Bala, but they were off to a great start. However, she had been at loggerheads with her mother-in-law many times, especially when it came to Ruhi. But after the heart-to-heart conversation they had today, Ishita realized that her mother-in-law was just someone with a different viewpoint, not unlike her own mother. She doubted that today would be the last time they would disagree on something, but eventually, they would get along just as well. The only part of her life that drove her nuts was her husband, Raman Kumar Bhalla.

She walked out into the living room and found Toshi half-asleep on the sofa with her head in her hands. Why was she sleeping here? Ishita went up to her and gently nudged her shoulder.

“Mummyji,” she whispered. “Aap andar jaake so jayiye na? Apne bed pe?”

Toshi jolted awake. “Nahi puttar, abhi tak Romi te Raman nahi aaye hai. Unko dinner-shinner bhi karna hoga.”

“To main jaag rahi hoon na? Main unhe dinner de dungi. Aap jaake aaraam kijiye. Dekhiye to, aap ko to baithe baithe neend aa gayi thi.”

“Sach mein Ishita? Tu jaagegi na?”

“Haan zaroor. Aap jaake so jaiye.”

“Thank you puttar.”

Ishita brought a book for herself and took a seat on the sofa. She wasn’t feeling particularly sleepy so she might as well wait for Raman and Romi. Besides, she was just going to read a book anyway. After all, it didn’t feel right for her mother-in-law to stay up so late when she wasn’t busy herself.

Toshi stretched her arms and got ready to sleep. She climbed into bed where her husband was seated scrolling through his phone. He wasn’t expecting to see her so soon.

“Ki hoya Toshi ji? Raman aur Romi aa gaye?” He placed his phone on the side table.

“Nahi Bhalla ji, woh Ishita ne kaha ki woh unka intezaar kar legi aur unhe khaana paros degi. Mujhe neend aa rahi thi to main aa gayi.”

“Sach sach bolo Toshiji, Ishita aur Raman ki shaadi ka faisla sahi tha na?”

“Tussi zyada itrao mat. Itna bhi koi bada kaam nahi kiya hai.”

Omprakash chuckled. His wife would never accept defeat if she could help it.

“Lekin haan, Ishita hai badi chungi kudi. Ek woh aurat thi, jiske aage piche Raman ghumta rehta tha phir bhi woh usse bhaav nahi deti thi. Aur ek yeh ladki hai, Raman isse seedhe muh baat tak nahi karta lekin woh phir bhi uska, uski beti ka, aur uske pure parivaar ka khayal rakhti hain.”

“Sach mein. Aur kya pata, shayad yehi hamara purana Raman hume lauta de?”

“Woh to pata nahi Bhalla ji. Main to bas isi baat se khush hoon ki ab mera puttar akela nahi hain. Koi hai jo uska khayal rakhega. Mata Rani kare in dono ko ek doosre ke saath woh khushi mile jo inki zindagi se chin gayi hai.”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The front door opened and Ishita looked up from her book. Raman and Romi walked in, utterly exhausted and famished. She placed her book aside, bookmarking the page that she was on.

“Aap log aa gaye? Kaisa tha din?”

“Thik hi tha. Maa kahan hai?” Raman replied.

“Woh so gayi hain. Unhe bahot neend aa rahi thi to maine hi kaha ki woh so jaaye. Aap log fresh ho jaiye, tab tak main khaana garam kar deti hoon.”

While the men went into their rooms to change and freshen up, Ishita heated up the food and set the plates at the dining table. They arrived soon enough and took their seat.

“Kya hai khaane mein bhabhi?” Romi asked.

“Palak paneer aur matar pulao.”

“Kuch chicken-shicken nahi hai? Kitne dino se non-veg nahi khaya hain.”

“Chinta mat karo,” Ishita chuckled. “Maine mummyji ko bol diya hai ki woh kal se non-veg dishes bana sakti hain. Veg dishes main bana liya karungi.”

“Arey waah bhabhi! Kya news sunayi hai aapne!”

Romi and Raman dug into their food. A few bites later, they realized something was amiss.

“Yeh khaana mummy ne banaya hai?” Raman asked.

“Pulao unhone banaya hai aur palak paneer maine. Actually main dheere dheere punjabi dishes bhi seekh rahi hoon.”

Raman dropped his spoon and joined his hands in a gesture of mercy. “Madam, aap punjabi khaana banana rehne do. Stick to your idli and dosa please.”

“Kyun? Aisa bhi kya ho gaya? Palak paneer mein kuch gadbad hai kya? Par hum sabne khaya tha, tab to kuch galat nahi laga?”

“Gadbad? Mujhe toh samajh nahi aa raha hain ki main palak paneer kha raha hoon ki sambhar.”

“Kya? Kuch bhi Raman!”

“Bhai, itna bhi bura nahi hain,” Romi cut in. “Bhabhi, palak paneer hai to bahot tasty. Par kya hai na, hume zyada spicy aur masaledar sabzi ki aadat hai. Mummy teekha khaana banati hain.”

“Maine itni to mirchi daali thi? Aur dalti hai kya?”

Romi shrugged. His culinary knowledge wasn’t extensive.

“Ek baat batao, tumne garam masala daala kya?” Raman asked.

“Nahi.”

Bingo. “Exactly, that’s the problem. Agli baar na, kisi cookbook ko follow karke khaana banana. Actually tum punjabi khaana rehne do. Woh mummy pe chod do. Tum apni karigari sirf nariyal ki chutney tak rakho. Hmmm?”

“Khaana kha lijiye chupchaap. Warna jo mil raha hai, woh bhi naseeb nahi hoga.”

Ishita glared at Raman who knew better than to counter her when she was cross. Both brothers focused on their dinner and ate in silence, without taking the risk of upsetting Ishita.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Part 17

Bhalla House - the next morning, Saturday July 28th, 10 am

“Ruhi! Utho baba. Kitna soyegi baby? Dekho, dus baj gaye.”

Ishita shook her sleeping daughter who refused to leave the land of dreams. She had come by every 15 minutes to wake her up but she always bargained 5 minutes of extra sleep for herself which turned into much more than 5 minutes.

“Abhi tak nahi uthi Ruhi?” Toshi had walked in by now.

“Nahi na mummyji. Main kab se jagaa rahi hu.”

“Oye Ruhi, sun. Dekh, maine abhi Simi bua se baat ki hai. Woh, Pulkit fufaji, aur Ananya aa rahe hain lunch pe. Ab to uth jaa.”

Ruhi instantly shot up. She loved playing with her toddler cousin.

“Ananya aa rahi hai, Dadi?”

“Haan. Tujhe khelna hai na uske saath?”

Ruhi nodded.

“To phir taiyyar hoja. Dekh, Ishimaa kab se tujhe bula rahi hain.”

Ruhi climbed out of bed and ran to the bathroom to brush her teeth, with her mother at her heels. She was up all right, but she still took her sweet time getting ready. By the time she was ready, it was close to lunch time. So Ishita gave her a tall glass of strawberry-flavored milk instead of a heavy breakfast lest her lunch get ruined.

“YES! SIXER!”Applause.

The commotion came from the living room where Raman, Rinki, Romi, and their father were gathered to witness the latest India-Pakistan cricket match. It had become a rare occurrence over the years but not anymore. Ishita hated to break up the party.

“Suniye sab!”

“Arey kya hai yaar? Tujhe dikh nahi raha hum sab match dekh rahe hai?” Raman muttered.

“Simi, Pulkit, aur Ananya aa rahe hai thodi der mein. Bas yahi kehna tha.”

“Haan, thik ha.” Raman waved a hand at her in a dismissive gesture.

“Jab dekho tab kud kud,” Ishita mumbled. “Kud kud kumar.”

“I heard that.” Raman glared at her and Ishita turned her eyes away.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Thoda aur lijiye na, Pulkit,” Ishita urged him.

“Nahin bhabhi bas. Maine already bahot kha liya hai. Sach mein, aisa Punjabi aur South Indian fusion khaana maine pehli baar khaaya hai.”

“I hope aap ko accha laga ho.”

“Accha? Arey bhabhi yeh to bahot accha hai! Itna tasty dosa aur sambhar maine kabhi nahi khaya!”

Lunch today was an elaborate affair. Toshi had prepared Punjabi curries and parathas while Ishita focused on South Indian delicacies, as instructed by Raman. She would learn Punjabi cuisine slowly but as of now, it was for the best that she stuck to what she knew. Ruhi and Ananya had had their lunch early and were playing in the living room. The rest of the adults were gathered for their meal now.

“Aaj to sach mein mazaa hi aa gaya,” Pulkit commented as he tried his hands with a tissue.

“Haan mummy,” Simi chimed in, “aapne aur Ishita ne kya khaana banaya tha!”

“Simmo, khaane se bhi zyada mazaa to company aur maahol ki wajah se aaya hai. Warna isse pehle to hum jab bhi aate the tab-”

“Pulkit. Not now.”

“Sorry.”

Ishita was confused about what just happened, but the way the topic was avoided meant she best not ask what it was about. The rest of the adults knew exactly what he meant though. No one could deny the difference in atmosphere between now and five years earlier.

Lunch was wrapped up soon, and the adults gathered around the living room for light conversation while the kids played inside. Simi and Rinki retreated into her bedroom for a gossip session between the sisters.

“To Rinki, kaisa chal raha hai sab? Agle mahine to tera graduation hain na?” Simi asked.

“Haan di, I can’t wait for college to be over. Pata hai, mujhe to do job offers bhi mil chuke hain.”

“Oh wow, that’s great! Congratulations! Tera to padhai aur job ka mamla set hai! Ab sirf shaadi ke baare mein sochna hai, right?”

“Di, abhi aap bhi shuru mat ho jao. Mumma ne already yeh topic do baari nikala hai. I’ve been trying to avoid this discussion as best as I can.”

“Ab isme avoid kya karna Rinki? Shaadi ek na ek din karni to hai na? Aur hum thodi na kal ke kal teri shaadi karwayenge?”

“Phir bhi di, is topic pe mujhe koi baat nahi karni.”

“Kya Rinki tu bhi. Mera to itna man tha teri shaadi pe tujhe chidhaane ka. Tune mujhe jitna pareshaan kiya tha na, uske badla lena hai mujhe.”

“Agar chidhana hi hai, to Raman bhai ko chidhao na. Unki to abhi abhi shaadi hui hain.”

“Meri itni himmat? Na baba na,” Simi chuckled. “Waise Rinki, tu shaadi ko itna avoid kyun kar rahi hai?”

“Di, abhi abhi to maine padhai puri ki hai. Maine to abhi naukri bhi chalu nahi ki. Abhi se shaadi-waadi sab…”

“Arey paagal, hum abhi ke abhi thodi na teri shaadi kar denge? Pehle rishte dhundhenge, phir tujhe jo ladka pasand aaye uske saath tu dates pe jaayegi, agar ladka pasand nahi aaya to doosre ladke dekhenge. Isme bahot time lag jaayega.”

“Sach kahun di, I’m not too sure about getting married at all.”

“Kyun?”

“Raman bhai ko hi dekh lo. Unki ek shaadi toot gayi aur humara pura parivaar bikhar gaya. Itne saalon mein woh apne dard se ubhar nahi paaye hai. I mean, is marriage even worth it?”

“Rinki, tu aise kyun sochti hain? Maana ki Bhai ki shaadi nahi chali par iska matlab yeh to nahi, ki shaadi karna hi galat hai? Ab mujhe aur Pulkit ko dekh lo. Hum to bahot khush hai ek doosre ke saath. Aur humare parents? Woh log to kitne saalon se ek doosre ke saath hai aur aaj bhi ek doosre se kitna pyaar karte hai.”

“I guess you’re not wrong di. Lekin bhai ko dekh kar phir bhi bura lagta hai.”

“Sach Rinki, isiliye main uski aur Ishita ki shaadi ko leke sure nahi thi. Maana ki Ruhi ko un dono ki zaroorat hai par zindagi to unhe hi guzaarni hai na saath mein? Ishita bahot acchi ladki hai, par woh dono saath mein kaise honge yeh pata nahi. Kya yeh shaadi bhai ke liye thik rahegi bhi ya…”

“Di, pehle mujhe bhi chinta thi is baat ki. Lekin jab se bhabhi aayi hai na, meri chinta khatam ho gayi hain. I mean, Ishita bhabhi is the only one who can challenge him head on and force him to reflect on his ways. And she’s been great with our family too. I think they’ll be just fine.”

Rinki adorned a satisfying smile and patted her sister’s forearm to reassure her that Ishita and Raman’s marriage will prove to be the best thing for them.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Iyer House - the next day, Sunday July 29th, 5:30 pm

The sound of giggles resonated around the house as Vandu, Mihika, and Ishita were gathered around the dining table having juicy sweet mangoes. Shravu and Ruhi were playing in the living room while Raman and Bala watched them from the sofa.

“Accha hua hum log aa gaye Ishu, warna yeh Mihika to saare aam khatam kar deti,” Vandu said as she slurped on the mango pulp.

“Sach mein akka. Thank god ki Appa ne hume phone karke bataya aaj subah ki woh aam le kar aaye hain. Warna humare to naseeb main hi nahi hote.” Ishita joined in on the teasing.

“Aap dono chaahe jo bhi bolo. Yeh aam itne meethe hai na, ki inke liye main aapki saari teasing bardaasht kar loongi.” Mihika took the last bite from her mango and picked up another one from the basket in front of them.

“Waise Ishu,” Vandu’s tone suddenly turned serious. “Mujhe puchna tha kabse, tu kaisi hai Bhalla house mein?”

“Sab to theek hai Akka. Kyun?”

“Nahi, mera matlab hai ki tumhe zyada koi takleef to nahi ho rahi hai na waha? Naya ghar hai, naye log hai, upar se different culture bhi. I mean Punjabis mein non-veg khaate hain aur alcohol bhi peete hai to…”

“Akka, aisi koi chinta mat kijiye. Woh sab to bahot acche hain. In fact, jab main us ghar mein aayi thi na, tab Mummyji ne chicken aur baaki saara non-veg banana band kar diya tha. In fact, sab to South Indian khaana khaane lage the, jo main banati hoon. Woh to phir maine unko bola ki woh non-veg bana sakti hain. I mean, ek insaan ke liye ghar ke saare logon ko apni taur tarike badalne ki zaroorat thodi na hai? Aur waise bhi, Mummyji hamesha dhyaan rakhti hai ki kuch na kuch veg zaroor bana ho. To koi tension nahi hain.”

“So you’re really okay there Ishu?”

“Of course I’m okay Akka. Aap ko pata hai, woh saare log bahot hi acche log hain. Haan, humse alag hai par dil ke bahot saaf hain. Aisa nahi hai ki humare disagreements nahi hoti, lekin har baar baat karke problem solve ho jaati hain.” Ishita went on to narrate the tiff she had with her mother-in-law the other day. “Seriously, I feel blessed ki mujhe itna accha parivaar mila. Ab to aisa lagta hai ki mere paas ek nahi do families hain.” Ishita laughed out loud, and the joy on her face was unmistakable.

Vandu let out a sigh of relief. She had been worried about Ishita ever since her wedding. A marriage of convenience is hard enough in itself. But having to deal with abusive and petty in-laws would be even harder. She had already been through so much because of Subbu and his mom. But all her worries had been laid to rest. The Bhallas were such good people that they went out of their way to make sure Ishu was comfortable. And for the first time, Vandu thought that this marriage to Raman would prove to be better for Ishu than what she had in store for herself in Chennai. Vandu had dealt with a torturous mother-in-law Devyani for many years of her early marriage. Thankfully, Bala always stood by her even if it meant countering his own mother. But Vandu had been weary whether Subbu would also stand by Ishita if his mother came in between them. And her worst fears had come true when he had dumped her at the insinuation of his mother. But in the Bhalla house, Ishita had a very kind, sensible, and understanding mother-in-law. She was a traditional yet progressive woman and wouldn’t create problems just for the heck of it. The rest of the family was just as great too. Ishita would be fine in the Bhalla house.

As Ishita was finishing the last of the mango pulp, her phone rang. She washed her hands and picked up her phone in a huff, disappointed that Mihika and Vandu had gotten their hands on the last mangoes in the basket.

“Hello?”
“Hello Dr. Bhalla, are you there? It’s Sarika.”

“Yes Sarika, I’m here. All ok?”

“Dr. Bhalla, actually an 8-year old boy has come into the clinic. He’s been hit by a cricket ball in the teeth and is presenting with severe pain and bleeding. There isn’t a dentist at the clinic right now, and since you specialize in pediatric dentistry, I thought it was best to contact you. Can you come right now? It’s an emergency.”

“Yes, of course. I’ll be there as fast as I can. Meanwhile, try to keep pressure on the wound and prevent as much bleeding as you can. Ok?”

“Yes ma’am. Thank you so much.”

Ishita hastily gathered her purse while she informed her sisters of the situation at the clinic. She then stopped in the living room to inform Raman too.

“Raman, I have to go to the clinic right now. There’s a kid who’s been smacked in the teeth with a ball and he’s bleeding a lot. It’s an emergency.”

“Should I drop you?”

“No, you need to stay here with Ruhi. I’ll take my car. I’m used to driving at night. Don’t worry.”

“How long will you be? In case Ruhi asks for you.”

“I can’t say. I need to go and assess the situation, but it’ll safely be at least a few hours. I’ll have the receptionist call you and inform you how long the surgery will take.”

“Okay. Just keep me posted. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Ishita then said a hasty goodbye to her daughter before leaving. Although she didn’t like the idea of Ishimaa leaving on a Sunday, Vandu, Bala, Mihika, and Shravu managed to placate her allowing Ishita to make a quick escape.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Later that night, 9:30 pm

Raman picked up Ruhi who had fallen asleep on the sofa while watching a movie with Shravu, who was still engrossed in Rajnikanth’s action stunts. Raman said his goodbyes to Vandu, Bala, and Mihika and thanked them for their hospitality, especially for the delicious dinner. Vandu had been considerate enough to make North Indian food for Raman even though he had offered to have dinner at his place so as not to inconvenience her. Bala had convinced him to stay back. On the dinner table, Raman had cracked a few jokes about the Iyer girls trying to torture their husbands with sambhar powder-infused paneer sabzi.

Raman made his way into his home with Ruhi snuggled on his shoulder. As he entered his house, he saw Rinki, Mihir, and Romi having dinner - a very late dinner. He tucked Ruhi into bed and pulled the covers over her. She really looked angelic. Raman ran a hand over her head as he gazed on his sleeping baby. He had made sure that she received everything she needed -- all her necessities, a loving family, even her mother. But there still seemed to be a gaping hole in his chest. Something was still missing. So what felt incomplete?

She needs you, Raman. No one can fill the void of a father except you.

And how was he supposed to do that? It was a father’s job to provide for his children and family. Well, that’s what he’s been doing, isn’t it? Who was all this money for? For his family and Ruhi, of course.

Is that the only reason why you’ve been chasing money?

No, he had also been chasing success and fame with the purpose of eclipsing Ashok Khanna. With the purpose to show his ex-wife what a mistake she had made by leaving him. And suddenly, out of nowhere, Ishita’s words from months ago popped into his mind.

She’s a child, and she needs her father’s love. All you have to do is open your heart and let her in.

He was forced to reflect on what he had been chasing for so long. Exactly what were his priorities now? Money, fame, status? Or his family and children? Raman ran his fingers through his hair and stood up from Ruhi’s bed. Ishita. This one woman had walked into his life and single-handedly turned it upside down. He could bet his life on the fact that she would eventually drive him insane. On one hand, she irritated him to no end. And on the other, she amazed him at every step of the way. Just a few hours ago, at the Iyer’s place, he had overheard her saying how blessed she was to have the Bhallas as a family. Raman had retreated into the corner of the living room to respond to an email which allowed him enough proximity to hear the Iyer sisters’ conversation. It amazed him how easily she had mixed in with his family in a matter of days as if she had belonged there forever. On the contrary, he had been born and brought up there yet he felt like a stranger in their midst.

He switched off the light to Ruhi’s room and gently closed the door behind him. The sound of burps and sighs from the living room distracted his train of thought and he went to check out what was going on.

“Sach mein Romi, Aunty ji kya kamaal ke chole banati hain. By god, mazaa hi aa gaya,” Mihir exclaimed as he licked his fingers.

“Tum log itni late dinner kar rahe ho?” Raman asked.

“Haan bhai, hum log Mihir ka intezaar kar rahe the na, isiliye,” Rinki explained. “But it was worth the wait. Kyunki mumma ne itne tasty chole puri banaye hain na ki pucho mat.”

“Dekho bhai, humne to saara khatam bhi kar diya,” Romi said, showing Raman the empty container and plates licked clean on the table.

“Tum logon ne chole khaaye?” Raman asked while making his way into the kitchen.

“Haa bhai. Kyun?”

“Pagal log, tumhare liye mummy ne chicken banaya tha, dekho!” Raman pulled out a pot from the fridge and opened the lid to show the chicken curry inside.

“Koi baat nahi bhai. Chicken kal khaa lenge. Usme kya hai?” Romi dismissed.

“Beta, tum log to kal chicken kha loge, lekin tumhari bhabhi aaj kya khayegi? Yeh chole mummy ne uske liye banaya tha. Veg option. Aur tum logon ne saare khatam kar diye. Woh emergency surgery ke liye gayi hai clinic. Ab wapas aakar kya khayegi? Aur tum logon ne chole khaaye to khaaye, lekin saare khatam bhi kar diye? Waah beta!”

Raman mockingly clapped his hands. Romi, Rinki, and Mihir realized their folly but didn’t know how to fix it.

“Ab kya karenge bhai? Hume to pata bhi nahi tha,” Mihir murmured. “Dubara nahi bana sakte kya?”

“Nahi Mihir,” Rinki interjected. “Mumma papa to Pammi aunty ke yahan gaye hai jagrate ke liye, Ishita bhabhi ke amma aur appa ke saath. Aur to aur, chole ko raat bhar bhigoke rakhna padta hai. Itni jaldi thodi na banenge?”

“Hey bhagwan, ab kya karenge hum?” Mihir trembled.

“Ab tum log kya karoge? Jo karna hai woh mujhe hi karna hoga. Warna woh Jhansi ki Rani mujhe kaccha chaba jaayegi. Abhi aati hogi woh aur pata nahi kitni bhookhi hogi. Aur tum log bhi na, kab se non-veg khaana tha tum logon ko. Aur aaj jab mummy ne banaya tha, to veg khaana chat kar gaye.”

“Sorry bhai.”

“Abhi tum log jaao andar, main kuch sochta hoon.”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Ishita came home about half an hour later. The mangoes that she had eaten had been enough sustenance to carry her through the four hour long surgery but now, she was practically starving. Even so, her first thought was to go check on her daughter. She opened the door and made a beeline for Ruhi’s room. She was so eager to see Ruhi, that she failed to register the movement in the kitchen where her husband was busy with pots and pans. Ishita checked on her daughter who was sound asleep. Once she was assured Ruhi was fine, she changed her clothes, freshened up, and came outside for dinner only to find the dinner table empty.

“Tumhara dinner abhi ban raha hai.”

Ishita turned her head towards the kitchen and found Raman wearing an apron in front of two pots on the stove. She was surprised she hadn’t seen him on her way in.

“Aap is waqt kitchen mein kya kar rahe hai?”

“Bhangra kar raha hoon.”

“Huh?”

“Kitchen mein koi kya karta hai?”

“Seedhe seedhe jawab do na!”

“Arey, woh tumhare liye Mummy ne veg options mein chole banaye the. Lekin mere nikamme bhai behen kha gaye. To tumhare liye dinner bana raha hoon.”

“Impressive Mr. Bhalla. Mujhe nahi pata tha ki aap itne caring ho sakte ho.”

“Hmmm. Caring hoon, lekin khud ke liye. Agar tumhe khana nahi mila to kya pata mujhe hi kaatne ko na daudo. Isiliye bana raha hoon. Spaghetti pasta with marinara sauce.”

“Aap ko aata hai khaana banana?”

“Continental aur Italian dishes bana sakta hoon. Indian khaana nahi.”

“Mujhe to yakin hi nahi hota ki aapko khaana banana aata hoga.”

“Oh madam? Paanch saal Mumbai mein apne aap raha hoon. Tumhe kya lagta hai, mujhe khaana banana nahi aata hoga?”

“Haan. Point to hai.”

Ishita walked into the kitchen to peek at what's cooking. Literally. In one pot, there was water boiling with the pasta in it, while the other pan contained the marinara sauce. Raman occasionally stirred the sauce and checked on the pasta.

“Main kuch help kar doon?” Ishita offered.

“Nahi, tum rehne do. Kya pata isme bhi kuch gadbad kar do to?”

“Kya aap bhi! Ek galti pe itne taane? Aap ko to Indian khaana banana aata bhi nahi hai. Kabhi khud banaiye, aur agar accha bane to phir dusro ko criticize kijiye.”

“Kam se kam main maanta to hoon ki mujhe Indian khaana banana nahi aata. Zabardasti to nahi karta na? Aur waise bhi, tum yeh spaghetti ek baar chakhogi na, to tum bhi maan logi ki main better cook hoon. Chalo jao, baitho. Main khaana lekar aata hoon.”

Ishita left the kitchen and dragged out a chair at the dining table to sit. Raman turned off the stove and drained the spaghetti, added it to the sauce, and gave it a good mix. He brought the pan to the table and went back to get a plate and fork for Ishita.

“Sirf ek plate kyun? Aap nahi khayenge?” she asked.

“Nahi, mujhe bhook nahi hain.”

“Thoda to lijiye na. Kam se kam mujhe company dene ke liye.”

“Thik hai.”

Raman grabbed another plate and fork from the kitchen and took a seat at the dining table across Ishita. He served a plate for both of them and they dug in.

“To madam? Kaisa laga?”

“Accha hai, par thoda zyada teekha aur khatta hai.”

“What do you mean zyada teekha aur khatta hai? Sahi to hai yeh. Tumhe sambhar masala ki kami lag rahi hai kya? Sorry, woh to nahi daal sakta.”

“Har baat pe yeh sambhar masala wala joke? Bahot purana ho chuka hain. Kuch naya socho. Aur haan, yeh Italian khaana hain, Punjabi nahi, jo aapne itna saara masala daala hain.”

“Ek minute, tumhe lagta hai ki Punjabi khaana spicy hota hain?”

“Aur nahi to kya? Insaan ki halat kharab ho jaaye.”

“Kam se kam hum hamare khaane mein gunpowder to nahi daalte.”

“Gunpowder? Matlab?”

“Tum Madrasiyon ka rasam piya tha maine ek baar. Aur maa kasam haalat kharab ho gayi thi meri. Daalte kya ho tum log usme? Gunpowder?”

Ishita dropped her fork and burst out laughing.

“Tum has rahi ho? Mujhe batana hi nahi chahiye tha.”

“Nahi… nahi… main to isiliye has rahi hoon, kyunki jis insaan ko teekha palak paneer bhi bina garam masale ke pheeka lagta hain, use rasam se problem kaise ho gayi?”

Ishita was on the verge of tears of laughter. Raman tried to be mad, but a smile broke out on his face too. He dropped his fork and started chuckling. After many efforts, Ishita managed to contain her laughter. Raman composed himself and gestured to her to continue eating before the pasta became cold. Ishita dug into her plate once again, but this time her eyes were set on her husband. She had never seen him laugh before. He looked very charming when he laughed.

“Raman?”

“Hmm?”

“You should laugh more often. Acche lagte ho haste huye.”

“Tum chup chaap khaana khao.” Raman attempted to sternly shut down Ishita but he couldn’t hide from her the faintest smile on his face which mirrored on her lips as well.

Khamoshiyan gungunaane lagi

Tanhaaiyan muskuraane lagi

Sargoshi kare hawa, chupke se mujhe kaha

Dil ka haal bataa, dilbar se naa chhupa

Sunke baat yeh sharm se meri aankhen jhunk jaane lagi

Jaag utha hai sapna kiska meri in aankhon mein

Ek nayi zindagi shaamil ho rahi saanson mein

Kisi ki aandhi hai sadaa hawaaon mein

Kisi ki baatein hai dabi si honton mein

Raat din meri aankhon mein koi parchhaayi lehraane lagi

Khamoshiyan gungunaane lagi

Tanhaaiyan muskuraane lagi

Dil ka yeh karwaan, yunhi tha rawaa dawaa

Manzil na humsafar, lekin main maherbaan

Teri voh ek nazar kar gayi asar

Duniya savar jaane lagi

Khamoshiyan gungunaane lagi

Tanhaaiyan muskuraane lagi

Sharmo hayaa se keh do khuda haafiz, o meri jaana

Hai ghadi milan ki, khudaara laut ke na aana

Raat ka parda hamaari hi khaatir

Saje hai hum bhi to tumhaari hi khaatir

Jaise jaise tum paas aate ho, saansein ruk jaane lagi

Khamoshiyan gungunaane lagi

Khamoshiyan gungunaane lagi

Tanhaaiyan muskuraane lagi

Tanhaaiyan muskuraane lagi

Dil ka yeh karwaan, yunhi tha rawaa dawaa

Manzil na humsafar, lekin main maherbaan

Teri voh ek nazar kar gayi asar

Duniya savar jaane lagi

Khamoshiyan gungunaane lagi

Tanhaaiyan muskuraane lagi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzIBbXn9fgk

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